South Korea's exports surge on strong demand for steel, semiconductors

Seoul

SOUTH Korean exports surged to a record last month in the latest sign that stronger global trade is helping to underpin growing momentum for the global economy.

The nation's shipments abroad rose for an 11th month in September, driven by overseas demand for steel, semiconductors and petrochemical products.

Exports jumped 35 per cent from a year earlier, the trade ministry said on Sunday. The median estimate of economists was for a surge of 25 per cent.

Imports gained 21.7 per cent, versus expect…